A surprise visit

Chapter 1

I have a cleaning job at Mrs. Rachel's home. The elderly woman has lived alone since her husband's death. Although her children have all moved out, they continue to care for their mother, and I've been tasked with cleaning her house two times a week.

I work as a cleaner; I didn’t attend college after high school. I come from a family of five, and my dad struggled to provide for us. As the eldest sibling, I took on responsibilities early in life. I had to juggle a part-time job even while in high school, and it hasn’t been easy for me.

My younger sister is currently in college, and I am the one she relies on for support; my brother, in contrast, works as a mechanic since he also couldn't attend college.

He ultimately got a girl pregnant and left our home; now he has his own obligations to manage while I look after the family.

I desire to have my own family too, but love has not treated me well; the relationship I cherished for years ended suddenly.

That significant day

"Annette, I believe we should end our relationship." I blinked in disbelief; did he really say what I believe I heard? "Wh... wh.. what do you mean?" I was puzzled and shocked. I genuinely love Rodney; we've been together for four years. I thought he was my forever, but I was mistaken. "I have found someone new, Anne," he found someone new? After all we've shared? is he really telling me he found someone new? I must remain calm since I'm on the verge of exploding, "do I know her?" The glance he directed at me conveys, I recognize her "who is she?" I inquired gently.

I shouldn't weep, don't let him see your pain, stay strong "it's Diane, I'm sorry Anne," I shut my eyes, Diane, she's the mayor's daughter, and Rodney works as a doctor at the clinic, now I understand, why would he ever want to be with a girl who could hardly complete high school? A girl who works as a cleaner? However, Diane and I were friends, but we ceased being friends as we became teenagers; her demeanor towards me shifted unexpectedly. I realized it was due to my status, but I refused to let it affect me.

"Then for how long?" I murmured while playing with my fingers, the tears were about to spill, this isn’t the first time my heart has been shattered, what did I expect to occur? I've consistently had bad luck with relationships; I should have realized when my first love disappeared without saying a word. To this day, I haven't heard from him. "It's been four months now," I acknowledged, four months—this jerk has been unfaithful to me for that long. I stood up from my chair, He brought me to the cafeteria to prevent me from causing a scene.

I thought he cared for me; I'm foolish for believing that. "Thanks for the coffee." I didn't let him say anything more as I walked away.

I still feel sorrow over that day's occurrence, but I need to get myself together; this isn’t the first instance, I’m accustomed to it by now, and it happened three months ago.

I visited Mrs. Rachel's home, and as usual, she greeted me with a big smile, saying, "Oh, what a beautiful day it is, don’t you agree, Annette?" Certainly! Christmas is approaching fast, and it's begun to snow, "it certainly is, Mrs Rachel, is that your delicious apple pie I smell?" Mrs Rachel makes the finest apple pie ever, when we were younger, you know who and I would always visit her just for her pie, we even shared our first playful kiss in her backyard before he departed, it felt like a farewell.

Oh, why do I dwell on irrational thoughts? It's not as if we were in an official relationship, yet it still pains me even now. He was my first love and kiss, and we grew up nearly side by side since our mothers were close friends.

I dismissed the thought from my mind; I should focus on my tasks. Once I finished cleaning, Rachel offered me her delicious pie. "Are you certain you won't share your secret recipe with me?" This pie is incredibly delicious, "no, as you mentioned it’s a secret," she interjects suddenly, "but who will continue your legacy after you pass away?" This usually strikes a chord with her; Mrs. Rachel dislikes the thought of dying despite her age, lol "What do you mean dying? I’m ninety-four, I have at least twenty years left." I burst out laughing; she never ceases to surprise me, "Of course you will, you can't die until I have my kids; you'll look after them," and I truly meant it. She’s like the grandmother I never had. She laughs, "Yes, Annette, don’t fret. The man who will captivate you is just around the bend." I rolled my eyes at that remark; honestly, I’m over anything resembling love.

She must have perceived my dark mood as she continued, "he wasn’t right for you, Annette," she said, patting my head. On the day Rodney ended things with me, Mrs. Rachel was the person I sought for comfort. "What is meant for you will find you; you don’t even need to reach for it; it will approach you quickly, the others aren’t yours." I felt the urge to cry; that’s why I dislike discussing myself with her. She usually encourages me, but I know that thing called love isn't for me.

After chatting for a few minutes, she serves me some leftover pie; I adore Rachel so much. I returned home and my mom was just outside waiting, as she usually does. The moment she spotted me, she beamed a big smile and said, "Look who’s here, my lovely daughter,” which is what she always calls me, this woman.

At first, my mom opposed my decision not to attend college because she wanted to avoid my ending up like her, but eventually, when she realized there was little hope, she started telling me, 'Annette, don't marry someone like yourself, someone without a well-paying job, or you'll struggle along with your children.' I understand she frequently expresses this due to our situation, but she truly loves my dad. Yet, she often remarks, 'sometimes love alone isn't sufficient; financial stability is crucial. If I had been aware, I wouldn't have rushed into marriage—we were so young and could have built our own identities before tying the knot.' Whenever she gazes at me, I can see the regrets in her eyes: remorse for not providing us with a better life and sorrow for how our lives have unfolded.

That’s why I thought to myself that Emilia will be an exception; she will lift the curse in our family. I will ensure she enjoys a good life. I desire a good life for myself too, but I have responsibilities to manage.

I entered with my mom and presented her the pie that Mrs. Rachel baked; she savored it as usual. "I take it she didn't share her recipe with you, right?" We both chuckled; truthfully, I've been inquiring about her recipe since my teenage years, but that lady refuses to share her secret ingredient, lol. She would frequently tell me, "Just give it a rest."

My father returned from work at the factory in our town, which is owned by the mayor. He seemed so filthy; honestly, if I could meet all my family’s needs and convince him to leave his job, I would. However, where would my cleaning job lead me? I am really struggling financially; seeing him makes me want to weep. He may not be very old, yet he appears older than his peers, with creases on his face.

My mom and I greeted him, "thank you, but as you can see, I'm rather dirty; I should probably go have my bath." I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood. "You definitely should. I brought Mrs. Rachel's famous apple pie," and his eyes sparkled; everyone truly loves her pie.